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Palmer Plan: Year 1

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By TONY CASTRO

SPORTS EDITOR Hernando Today

Published: September 4, 2008

Hernando High alumni and more importantly, its booster club, firmly believe their third prep football head coach in three years - John Palmer - will instantly transform the county's least successful program into a winner.

The reality, though, is he needs time.

Many of the local supporters have deemed Palmer "The Messiah." They believe that his mere presence will wipe out the transgressions of a school-record five straight losing seasons, and six in the past seven campaigns.

But Palmer, an HHS alumnus, who captured a Class 1A State Championship at Port St. Joe in 2005, faces an arduous rebuilding task in Year 1 at HHS.

State of the program

First off, Palmer was not hired in time to install his offense, defense and special team's plan of action during the critical spring drills.

Since his arrival June 14, he's hit the ground running playing in catch-up mode.

Next, HHS is minus five coaches and 20 players, including 15 seniors from last year's 2-8 squad.

Palmer's terminology and schemes are completely different than the past regimes.

The Purple and Gold varsity squad that averaged less than 17 points per game (ppg) in 2006, dropped to a county-low less than 12 ppg.

In 2006, HHS permitted almost 20 ppg on defense. Last fall, it allowed 27 ppg and permitted 39 touchdowns while its offense offered minimal relief behind a county-low 13 touchdowns.

On special teams, HHS will begin 2008 minus its starting long snapper, holder and deep return threat (George Fribley III).

Schedule-wise, over the past five years, HHS's longest win streak is two games.

The 18-time Hernando County champions have not won back-to-back-back games since its last winning season in 2002.

And here's a stat. Which Hernando County football program has not captured four games in a row this decade? Only one, Hernando.

How far has this program slipped? Within the county borders, HHS is 2-11 in its past 13 games versus county opposition.

Now, add to the mix, that two key players have not yet suited up. Three-way threat Clay Kessler, a senior transfer, from HCA, has been hindered with a hamstring pull. When he's healthy, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder will likely run and catch the ball in Palmer's Wing T formation.

Also, junior tackle Joe Bristol would have been a returning starter up front, but has not been cleared as well due to a meniscus tear with his knee on first day of practice.

So, where are the Leopards as of Labor Day?
HHS was licking its wounds from Aug. 28's 42-0 preseason loss at perennial Class 2A state contender Bushnell-South Sumter.

Evaluating South Sumter

Despite the scoreboard, what did Coach Palmer take from the one-sided loss to the Red Raiders?

"They're a solid, physical team," described Palmer. "Technique-wise, you've got to be at the top of your game any time you go against them. Technique-wise, we're not where we need to be yet. I think we played a little too high, that includes our receivers, runners and linemen."

Positives from the exhibition game?

"Kall's (quarterback Kall Daniel) reads were good and he did well on his pass drop backs," summed up Palmer. "(Running back Alvin) Delaine had a couple big returns and rushed for 46 yards. Jamel (Byrd) had three receptions and (sophomore Tommy) Bronson looked good at defensive tackle.

"We showed some sparks on offense. We made some mental mistakes, but they're all correctable," added Palmer.

New-look Leopards

On offense, expect the Leopards to start their sixth new quarterback in six years, junior Kall Daniel. He'll be backed up by senior Josh Ross.

Daniel completed 2007 connecting on 5-of-13 passes for 65 yards and two interceptions - mostly in the season finale against Dade City-Pasco.

According to Palmer, Daniel is a "little better passer. He's a more natural quarterback. And he's a little more athletic."

Ross, who will most likely start at defensive end, "can play a multiple number of positions. He's a hard worker and he's a little more vocal than Kall."

Running back-wise, HHS lost five of its top six mail carriers including scatback Fribley and fullback Nick Sizemore. Delaine, at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, returns after rushing for 268 yards and scoring twice.

Joining sophomore "Chubbs" Delaine in the backfield is junior Champ Lumsden, sophomore Sam Adams, senior James Stephens, Bronson and Kessler.

Kessler, a 2007 All-County football selection, has a nose for the end zone. He scored 102 points for the Lions last fall in eight games featuring 17 touchdowns (12 on the ground).

Through the air, 8-of-10 Leopard receivers from a year ago have departed. Kessler, the county's No. 2 receiver last year, could help the returnee Byrd and the newcomers, senior Robby Lane and ex-HCA linebacker turned tight end, junior Matthew Johnson.

"It's not an overly athletic group," described Palmer. "But as a whole, they run good routes and have good hands."

Up front, look for Trent Tracy (5-foot-10, 240) to anchor the critical center position with senior George Smith and junior Justin Bland at the guard slots and seniors David Hines and James Stanley holding down the tackle positions.

The 6-foot-5, 270-pound Hines, an All-County selection in 2007, is a returning starter at right tackle. Also, look for Johnson or Kessler to split time at tight end.

"As a whole, we're going through some growing pains," said Palmer on his O-line. "But they're a very coachable group."

On defense

Across the defensive line, HHS hopes to alternate Bronson, Stanley and Hines as down linemen and Johnson, Smith and Ross at ends.

Linebacking-wise, junior Josh Parnell and sophomore William Alderman are penciled inside with Stephens and junior Kenny Brown on the outside.

The secondary is youthful, but athletic including a combination of Byrd, Lane and Delaine at cornerback and a newcomer, 6-foot-2, 175-pound junior Cory Thomas at safety.

"I was pretty happy with the play of our secondary (versus South Sumter)," summed up Coach Palmer. "But we've got to improve our tackling and our pursuit angles."

Special teams-wise, senior Josh Harvey, who connected on 8-of-9 field goals and eight point-after kicks, will also double up as punter for the Leopards.

Look for Smith to take over as long snapper and Ross as the holder. Delaine is expected to "see a lot of action in punt and kickoff returns."

Schedule-wise

Coach Palmer understands it would not be wise to include the Leopards in playoff discussion just yet.

"As I see it, the best team in 3A-6 is Nature Coast," he said. "They're the team to beat. Jamie (Joyner) does a real good job over there. The Citrus County schools, I just don't know enough about.

"Our first month allows us some time to straighten out some things," commented Palmer. "To win, lose or tie any of our September non-district schedule, isn't the end of the world. The key is improving each week. As we get better, we'll have a say in how the district will play out."

Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at (352) 544-5278 or online at acastro@hernandotoday.com.

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